Jazz Vespers: Andrea Wolper, John di Martino, Yoshi Waki

About Andrea Wolper:

A singular voice in contemporary vocal jazz, Andrea Wolper is always delighted to return to sing at Jazz Vespers at Saint Peter's. Critics have called Andrea a “brilliant musical story-teller,” “superior songwriter,” and “terrific arranger” whose expressive performances blend swinging jazz tunes, deeply-felt ballads, original compositions, and imaginatively arranged songs from various genres into an “inventive, thrilling, appealing musical vision.” A mainstay of the New York jazz scene, she has headlined in top clubs including the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, Mezzrow, the 55 Bar, Zinc Bar, and innumerable others, and she tours in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to leading her own groups, she records and performs for other artists across jazz genres, including the Heavenly Big Band, Bob Gluck, bass icon William Parker, and the late vocal innovator Jay Clayton. Reviewers called Andrea’s most recent recording, “Wanderlust” (2024) “magnificent,” “exceptional,” “exquisite,” “a pure vocal jazz album at its very best.” Andrea teaches vocal technique in her private studio, and classes and workshops in jazz singing, improvisation, performance, and more. andreawolper.com. “There's a light in Wolper's voice that illuminates even the darkest moments.”

About John di Martino:

John di Martino is a composer, arranger, pianist, producer and educator who’s been called as a "shape-shifter" for his creativity across musical genres. Originally from Philadelphia, this first-call veteran of the New York City jazz scene is a multi-recorded artist, a longtime favorite of bandleaders. As a leader, he's released a number of recordings including "Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn" (Sunnyside). As a sideman he has performed and/or recorded with instrumentalists including Ray Barretto, Bobby Sanabria, and Houston Person, as well as with a seemingly endless roster of New York vocalists including Janis Siegel, Freddy Cole, Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, and Gloria Lynne. "John's soul and being come straight through to his music, the jazz world needs him! " (Sheila Jordan, NEA Jazz Master) "John Di Martino is one of my absolute favorite pianists today. His music is an honest outpouring of light!” (Benny Green, Jazz Pianist) "John di Martino's middle name should be 'taste', for he conveys that quality in both solo and supportive roles, in jazz and Latin music

About Yoshi Waki:

Originally from Fukuoka, Japan, bassist and composer Yoshi Waki played piano in high school, where he developed an interest in jazz. While at university in Tokyo, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering, he met another jazz pianist and switched to double bass so they could play together. He had his first gig on bass just three months later. In 1996 he moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music. After graduating, he spent two years on the road with the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Fosse,” before settling in New York. A sought-after sideman, Yoshi plays frequently around the city. He appears on over 70 recordings for artists including Art Hirahara, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, Deborah Harry, Freddie Cole, Harry Whitaker, Kenia, Paquito D’Rivera, Randy Johnston, Shunzo Ohno, Bill Ware, Travis Sullivan’s Bjorkestra, William Galison, and many others; he can also be heard on Dan Zanes and Friends’ “Catch That Train!” (Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children), and Chihiro Yamanaka’s “After Hours” (23rd Japan Gold Disc Award for Jazz Album of the Year). Waki taught music theory and jazz ensemble at Long Island University.

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